Preparing for an act of terrorism, criminal activity, weather or any general emergency requires finding out what can happen. Discuss possible events with your family and then develop a disaster plan together.

Create an Emergency Communication Plan
Choose an out-of town friend or relative that you and your family can call or e-mail to check on each other such a disaster occur. This person should live far enough from you that he/she would not be affected by the same event. Make sure all of your family has all the necessary contact information and, that your contact is aware the he/she has been designated as the contact.

Make sure that each member of the family has a list of all contact numbers for each other. This includes office or workplace numbers, cell phones, schools, daycare or any after school programs.

If an event happens, it is the responsibility of each family member to contact the out-of-town friend or relative if contacting each other becomes problematic. Remember in an emergency, phone lines (which many times includes the Internet) will become overloaded.

Establish a Meeting Place
Determine a place to meet your family if you happen to get separated, or an event happens when you are away from home. This arrangement can save valuable time and help eliminate confusion if you need to evacuate.  Make sure you include pets in your plans. Shelters do not permit pets and many hotels/motels have rules against or charge extra fees to accommodate pets.

Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit
In addition to the items mentioned in the emergency supply kit ... food, water, prescription drugs, first aid and other useful tools ... remember to add a change of clothing, and any comfort items for seniors or young children. It is also a good idea to include some cash, and copies of important documents (such as birth certificates, passports and licenses.

Essential documents, like powers of attorney, life and property insurance and a copy of your will, should be kept in a safe location outside your home.  

Check on Emergency Plans for your Child's School or Your Work Place
You will need to know what emergency plans are in place for you child's school. Will the school keep children at the school until a parent or designated adult picks them up, or will they be sent home on their own?  

You will also need to know what your Office or Work Place policy is in an emergency. Are you considered "essential" personnel?  What responsibilities have been assigned to you in the event of an emergency?

Return to Be Prepared